ISU Extension News

Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915

1/12/01

For Immediate Release

Contacts:
Diana Broshar, ISU Extension to Families, 515-294-8204, dmbro@iastate.edu
Virginia Molgaard, ISU Extension to Families, 515-294-8762, vmolgaar@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, 515-294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu

ISU Program Seeks Safe Communities for Kids

AMES, Iowa -- Stunned by child abuse and violence, feeling helpless in their wake, many communities are looking for answers.

Child psychologist James Garbarino will explain how to strengthen children, families and communities to help reduce the damaging impact of violence and child abuse in a nationally broadcast satellite program, Feb. 7, 3:30 to 5 p.m. CST. Part of the Iowa State University "Strengthening Families to Become the Best" celebration, the program will originate on the ISU campus in Ames.

Garbarino, professor of Human Development at Cornell University, will address community responsibility and obligation to support positive outcomes for all children and youth in the presentation, "A Safer Community for Children and Youth: Ten Things You Can Do."

Author of "Raising Children in a Socially Toxic Environment" and "Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them," Garbarino also will present a seminar Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union on the Ames campus.

The satellite program will be downlinked at 36 sites in Iowa and in 20 other states, according to Diana Broshar, satellite coordinator. Those wishing to attend the afternoon program should first contact their local county office of ISU Extension for more information. The evening seminar is open to all at no cost.

Garbarino is a consultant to television, magazine and newspaper reports on children and families. For more than 30 years he has focused on the effects of violence on children. In his presentation he will examine how to strengthen children to decrease their vulnerability, and how to improve the social environment.

According to Garbarino, communities must do more with parents to identify the homes where psychological and sexual abuse is taking place. This is the principal spawning ground for violent kids, he said. Preventing child abuse is the best way to prevent youth violence.

More information is available on the Web at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/garbarino/.

-30-

ml: imajor


Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.

News Menu | ISU Extension